Efforts made by citizens in an Adair Street neighborhood helped Valdosta Police Narcotics Detectives to make drug arrests and two people were taken into custody. 25 year old Jamal Lane and 21 year old Tierra Linder were found to be in possession marijuana, cocaine, Flakka, a handgun and an AK-47 that was reported to be stolen. The total value of the drugs is nearly 14 thousand dollars. Officers confiscated over two thousand dollars in cash.
There has been another roadway fatality in the region. Hamilton County Highway Patrol personnel report the death of 37 year old Bryan Cribbs. His vehicle left the roarway and srtuck a tree; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Associated Press reports that Georgia state Senators are working on a new bill to address Georgia’s ongoing opioid crisis. A Thursday hearing focused primarily on expanding the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which aims to prevent clients from visiting multiple doctors and over prescribing. The bill requires that all physicians register and use the database, or else face a felony and jail time. Currently, participation is voluntary. Several physicians spoke against the requirement, saying that the government-run system is clunky and takes too much time. Senators agreed, but said that something has to be done immediately to address the opioid crisis.
Georgia House leaders have approved a bill requiring college employees to report sexual violence and other crimes to law enforcement, clashing with existing federal guidance to campuses. Federal guidance sets requirements for schools dealing with sexual violence under Title IX, a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. Schools that don’t comply could lose federal funding. Opponents say victims of sexual crimes will lose their right to decide whether to report and fear it will discourage victims from talking to college employees they trust.
A proposed bill working its way through the Georgia House of Representatives would make weapon training a requirement before getting a gun license. House Bill 232 would require most gun license applicants to first complete a training course that would introduce the features of the handgun and a brief explanation of the loading, firing and unloading of a weapon.
Persons interested in becoming drivers for Uber in this area must sign up by February 28th. Information is available at the Chamber of Commerce; call 229-247-8100. The passenger transportation service is looking to sign up a minimum of 40 drivers to serve the Valdosta Lowndes County area.
A Bainbridge vehicular accident has claimed the life of a 28 year old female on Highway 27 near New Bethel Road. According to the Georgia State Patrol the driver of a truck, a high school student, was headed to school. At the intersection another driver had stopped but pulled out in front of him and both vehicles crashed. There were passengers in each vehicle and all including a baby were transported to a local hospital.
Legislation expanding access to medical marijuana is proposed by Georgia lawmakers. The Medical Cannabis Working Group wants the list of qualifying conditions expanded to cover Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, AIDS, HIV, chronic pain and autism. Under the legislation some residency restrictions would be removed and reporting by prescribing physicians would be easier.
FEMA officials warn regional residents that after a disaster, scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid. Federal and state workers never ask for or accept money and always carry identification badges. There is NO FEE required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the state. Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text, or in person.
Scintilla Charter Academy will hold a public lottery for applicants Tuesday February 7th. Officials report that 75 applications were made for attendance at the academy with 40 of them seeking kindergarten admission.
This report from the Georgia Senate…the state’s tax on hospital beds has been renewed through 2020. The House vote will be the next step in the process that could bring in 311 million dollars annually. The funds would be used to draw down 600 million dollars in federal funding.
